| (a) The following tests must be performed on microfilm as indicated. (1) Methylene blue test. (A) A methylene blue test for conventionally processed silver-gelatin film must be performed on all original microfilm in compliance with standard ANSI/NAPM IT9.17. (B) A test must be performed on a strip of processed, clear, and unexposed film approximately six inches long from the original microfilm or on a process control strip at least once each week during which processing is done. (C) A test must also be performed whenever a batch of fixer or developer is changed, or when changes in processing such as replacement or addition of filter, water softener, or replenishing system are made, or when water is changed. (D) If processing is performed by a service bureau, a test performed for one agency may satisfy this requirement for more than one agency.
(E) If film fails to meet the standards established by these sections, it must be rewashed and retested within 14 days of initial processing. (F) Once a year, two test strips must be taken from the same microfilm; one must be sent to an independent testing laboratory and the other to the laboratory which performs the weekly test, for verification of test results. (G) If either test result is greater than 0.014 grams per square meter, the records administrator or records custodian must identify and remedy the cause of the deviation from the required standard. (2) Density test. (A) A density test must be performed on all original microfilm in compliance with standard ANSI/AIIM MS23 and the background density must be in accordance with that standard. (B) Densitometer used must be calibrated daily, when in use. (3) Resolution test.
(A) A resolution test must be performed on all original microfilm in compliance with standard ANSI/AIIM MS23. (B) The resolution target must meet the following standards: (i) ANSI/AIIM MS17; and/or (ii) ANSI/AIIM MS19; and/or (iii) ANSI/AIIM MS51. (C) Photocopies of the resolution target must not be used for testing. (D) Resolution target images must be evaluated under a microscope to determine if resolution loss from duplicating is acceptable. A duplicate of a first-generation film must have a resolution loss of no more than one test pattern of the test objects described in ANSI/AIIM MS51. (b) Original processed microfilm must be visually inspected according to the following procedures. (1) Within two weeks of completion of the methylene blue test, a visual inspection of microfilm must be completed to
verify legibility. (2) Film of essential records or records having a retention period of 10 years or more must be inspected image by image. (3) Film of non-essential records having a retention period of less than 10 years must be inspected at least every three meters (10 feet) of each roll or every third fiche. (4) Images of documents must be uniformly placed on the film and must be free of any defects in the filming area that would interfere with the documents being read. (5) If a defect is found on any microfilm, the microfilm immediately preceding and following the sample of microfilm on which the defect was found must be inspected. If a defect is found on those microfilms, the uninspected microfilm preceding and/or following those microfilms must be inspected image by image until all defective film has been identified. (c) Testing and Inspection of Equipment.
(1) Cameras and ancillary equipment must be calibrated, tested, or otherwise inspected and adjusted at least twice annually or more often if required to comply with manufacturer's specifications or recommended operating and maintenance procedures. (2) Processors must be monitored on a scheduled basis with process control strips (sensitometric strips) at a minimum at the start of processing each day and whenever a batch of film, fixer, or developer is changed, or when changes in processing such as replacement or addition of filter, water softener, or replenishing system are made, or when water is changed.
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